Groups of Egyptians gathered in public squares around the country on Friday to take part in a celebration of the anniversary of the 6 October war, as well as to show support for President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the government, after a call to do so from a number of political parties. Tuesday is the 47th anniversary of Egypt's victory against Israel in the 6 October war in 1973. The pro-government rallies took place in major squares, including the famous grandstand known in Arabic as Al-Manasa in eastern Cairo, which is located in front of the pyramid-shaped monument honouring the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Political parties installed a makeshift stage in the area, and loudspeakers blared popular pro-army songs. The participants carried Egyptian flags and pictures of El-Sisi, and chanted slogans in support of the Egyptian government and its achievements. Many political figures took part in the rally, as well as several singers, including Ahmed Gamal and Hakeem, who performed patriotic songs for the crowd on the stage. A group of Egyptians carrying the Egyptian flags during their participation in the 6 October celebrations in the famous grandstand square known in Arabic as Al-Manasa in eastern Cairo (photo courtesy of Ahram Arabic news website) Another gathering in Qena governorate (photo courtesy of Ahram Arabic news website)